Perez, an Oxnard resident, is accused of shooting Donald Reyes Jr. three times — twice in the head — at the Homewood Suites hotel on July 1. Reyes Jr., 29, of Newbury Park, was found about 3:30 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene.

With the use of the Solar Drive business’ surveillance footage, Perez was identified as the suspect and arrested the same day.

McGee said an argument broke out between the victim and the teen, who was drinking alcohol as he celebrated his 17th birthday in one of the hotel rooms. Perez and his friend left the area and returned later with a gun, which was used to fatally shoot the victim, authorities said.

Five days later, the teen was charged with Reyes Jr.’s murder and a special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing death. Prosecutors also filed a motion to have the case transferred from juvenile court to adult court.

A voter-approved law that took effect in November 2016 made it so prosecutors could no longer file felony complaints against 16- and 17-year-olds directly in adult court. The law meant judges would have that discretion after a hearing on the matter.

Probation officers also supply the court and attorneys with a report making a recommendation about such a transfer.

A fatal shooting at a Hilton hotel in Oxnard early Sunday left a large section of the parking lot at the rear of the building off limits through the afternoon as officials investigated. GRETCHEN WENNER/THE STAR

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The victim’s sister, Crystal Reyes, explained how the incident has made one of his daughters feel like she’s always in danger. She said it has made all of his daughters wonder about who will walk them down the aisle on their wedding day.

The victim’s sister said no one is perfect but a life shouldn’t be taken away “no matter how good of a person you are, no matter how bad of a person you are.”

At one point, McGee had to refocus the family to share only the impact the loss has had on their lives, saying “it’s not an opportunity to come here and just unload on Jeffrey Perez.”

Perez’s loved ones also were there. They sat quietly and some of them were being assisted by a Spanish-language interpreter.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Richard Simon used the statements from Reyes Jr.’s family to show the gravity of the crime, one he called “senseless.”

The gravity of the crime is among the five criteria assessed when considering a transfer. The other criteria include criminal sophistication, the minor’s delinquency history, the minor’s track record of rehabilitation in juvenile court and whether the minor can be rehabilitated before they reach an age outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Simon said the degree of alleged criminal sophistication exhibited by the minor was also a factor in transferring to adult court.

He said Perez got rid of the murder weapon, which has not yet been found. The teen allegedly also showered and changed his clothes, which Simon alleges got rid of evidence like blood spatter.

Perez also allegedly lied to law enforcement in interviews, allegedly coordinating his story with a friend, according to authorities.

McGee went on to echo the arguments made by Simon when issuing his decision. But the judge also explained that Perez’s prior record was not significant and included low-level offenses and citations.

Perez also appeared to be responsive to the rehabilitation efforts posed to him for those offenses, McGee said.

Simon, however, argued that Perez’s current age did not give the juvenile court system enough time for him to be rehabilitated for such a serious offense. While McGee said that was a reasonable argument, the judge told him expert testimony is needed to make that argument.

In his statements to the court, the prosecutor “to be fair” also mentioned the victim’s prior criminal history. It included convictions for resisting arrest, vandalism, misdemeanor battery, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and gang-related felony assault with a deadly weapon.

His mother said that lifestyle was behind him and he was making better choices for him and his family’s future.

Criminal charges are expected to be filed against Perez in adult court, with him scheduled to be appear there for an arraignment at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in Courtroom 14.

Perez has 20 days from the arraignment to file a petition for review with the appellate court should he choose to do so.